Thinking about divorce in Arkansas? Whether you're in the early stages of considering it or already deep into paperwork, here's a breakdown of what you actually need to know—without the fluff.
You or your spouse must have lived in Arkansas for at least 60 days before filing.
There is a minimum 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized—even if uncontested.
Arkansas requires at least 18 months of continuous separation for a no-fault divorce, unless you’re filing on fault-based grounds.
Arkansas allows two options:
No-fault divorce: Requires spouses to have lived separately for 18 months without cohabitation
Fault-based divorce includes:
Read more in-depth about the grounds for Arkansas divorce here
Filing fees vary by county but usually range between $165–$200. Extra costs may include:
Can’t afford the fee? You can apply for a fee waiver using a financial affidavit—click the link here to access it or ask your court clerk.
Arkansas follows equitable distribution rules. Marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally.
Key considerations:
Separate property—gifts, inheritance, or assets owned before marriage—is usually not divided unless it became mixed with joint assets.
Spousal support is not automatic and is awarded case-by-case. Courts consider:
Types of alimony include:
There is no formula—the judge decides based on fairness.
Arkansas courts favor joint custody, unless it's not in the child’s best interest. Decisions are based on:
Child support is based on both parents’ income using state guidelines. Use the Arkansas child support estimator to calculate expected payments.
Military members or their spouses can file in Arkansas if one party resides or is stationed in the state. Federal laws, like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, may delay proceedings during deployment.
Yes, Arkansas allows e-filing in many counties through AOC eFiling. However, some steps—like court appearances—may still require in-person visits.
Post-divorce reminders:
If you’re divorcing in the state of Arkansas, Hello Divorce can help. Schedule a free call now to ask questions and determine your next step.